Punjab Kings (PBKS) are without the services of Yuzvendra Chahal for the all-important first qualifier of IPL 2025 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The senior leg-spinner missed PBKS' last two league stage games and isn't part of the playing XI once again. He isn't even named in the list of Impact Players.

Chahal is down with a wrist injury and isn't fit to be part of the playing XI. Shreyas Iyer didn't mention the reason behind Chahal's absence but ESPNcricinfo recently reported that he has a wrist injury.

Apart from Chahal, PBKS are also without the services of Marco Jansen. The South African all-rounder has returned home to prepare for the World Test Championship final, scheduled to be played from June 11 to 15.

"Would have bowled first as well. If you look at the record here, teams batting first have done well, so I am optimistic. They (the crowd) have been tremendous and you need such kind of vibration when you enter the ground and it gives us a lot of energy as well. The way they (openers) have been showing the fearless approach and the attitude has been brilliant. Marco goes out and Azmatullah comes in for him," PBKS captain, Shreyas Iyer said at the toss.

Chahal, who joined PBKS for a huge sum of Rs 18 crore, scalped 14 wickets in 12 matches. He bowled with an economy rate of 9.56.

RCB were boosted by Rajat Patidar's and Josh Hazlewood's returns. Rajat was playing as an Impact Player since the IPL resumed while Hazlewood missed the matches due to a shoulder niggle.

The winner of the first qualifier will qualify for the final, scheduled to be played on June 3. The losing team will get one more chance to make it to the final and will face the winning team of the eliminator. Mumbai Indians will face Gujarat Titans in the eliminator on Friday (May 30).

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